The 26.2 mile race route through the historic City of Chester will be lined with first aiders from the charity ready to treat runners and spectators for a wide range of injuries and medical conditions. The team will include first aiders, doctors and paramedics working closely with the event organisers.

Volunteers from Active Leisure Events Ltd will be trained in first aid by St John Ambulance before the event with a special emphasis on sports related injuries.

Regional training and community projects manager for St John Ambulance Graham Ellis said: “Our runners get enormous satisfaction from knowing they’ll be quite literally running for other people’s lives. We will also be training a number of volunteers in first aid so that even more potential life savers will be on hand.”

Race director at Active Leisure Events Ltd Andy White said: “We’ve worked with St John Ambulance at all our events since the first MBNA Chester Marathon in 2010. During that time they have saved runners’ lives and provided vital first aid, and we are pleased to welcome St John Ambulance as our official race charity. We rely on 600 to 700 volunteers at every event, who are often the first on the scene of a medical incident, so they are looking forward to receiving first aid training to develop their skills.”

All runners fundraising for St John Ambulance will receive a branded running vest and advice on nutrition and fundraising as they prepare for the big day.

To book your place, email helena.mellish@sja.org.uk or call 0161 443 4315 for more information about running for St John Ambulance.